pendent

adjective

pen·​dent ˈpen-dənt 

variants or pendant

1

: jutting or leaning over : overhanging

a pendent cliff

2

: supported from above : suspended

icicles pendent from the eaves

3

: remaining undetermined : pending

Synonyms

• dangling
• dependent
• hanging
• pendulous
• suspended

Examples of pendent in a Sentence

the dining area is lit by tasteful pendent lamps over the tables

Recent Examples on the Web

Among her accessories, Johnson coordinated with a bold pendent necklace courtesy of Bulgari. —Julia Teti, WWD, 5 Sep. 2024

His distinctive speech-music, though a little rougher and breathier these days, has not altered, a shapely sequence of rhythmic, pendent clauses that resolve in a bassless but confiding growl. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pendaunt

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pendent

adjective

pen·​dent

variants or pendant

ˈpen-dənt 

1

: sticking out or hanging over

2

: supported from above

3

: pending entry 2 sense 1

Legal Definition

pendent

adjective

pen·​dent

ˈpen-dənt

1

: remaining undetermined : pending sense 1

a pendent suit

2

: of, relating to, or being the basis of pendent jurisdiction or pendent party jurisdiction

the Supreme Court drew a sharp distinction between pendent claims and pendent parties

—National Law Journal

3

: dependent sense 1

is pendent upon another claim

Etymology

Middle French pendant suspended, present participle of pendre to hang, ultimately from Latin pendēre